I’m going to try something new here on The [Five] and give my picks for Week 11 of the 2010 NFL season. I’ll either look like a genius or an absolute idiot but what else is new? Home teams in capitals.
STEELERS (-7) over Raiders
Who would have thought the Oakland Raiders would be a top the AFC West at this point in the season? Oakland is a great story but Pittsburgh is coming off an embarrassing loss at home against the Patriots last Sunday night and will be looking to take out their frustration this week.
Texans (+6.5) over JETS
The 7-2 Jets have barely held on the past few weeks to beat the Lions and Browns in overtime. The Texans have been one of the most disappointing teams of the 2010 season. New York will probably win the game but I’m expecting a strong effort out of Matt Schaub and company on Sunday.
Ravens (-12) over PANTHERS
Carolina made the surprising decision to start Brian St. Pierre at QB for this week’s game against the Ravens. St. Pierre was a stay-at-home Dad just 7 days ago. Ray Lewis and the rest of the Ravens defense are licking their chops. This one could get ugly.
TITANS (-7) over Redskins
Mike Shanahan ruined the Redskins season (or what was left of it) when he benched Donovan McNabb three weeks ago against the Lions. I would normally expect a team to bounce back with a big effort after an embarrassing loss (59-28 defeat to the Eagles) but this Redskins team is just shot.
COWBOYS (-6.5) over Lions
Jason Garrett will look to move to 2-0 as a head coach as the Cowboys take on a Lions team that hasn’t won a road game in their last 25 attempts. Let’s make it 26 losses in a row on the road for Detroit.
Packers (-3) over VIKINGS
How appropriate will it be for Brett Favre’s playoff hopes to be destroyed in his final season (I roll my eyes just typing that) by the Green Bay Packers. I’m sure the fans in Wisconsin can’t wait for this matchup.
BENGALS (-4.5) over Bills
Buffalo picked up their first victory of the season last week but will not extend their winning streak to two. The 2-7 Bengals have been incredibly disappointing this season but there is simply too much talent on Cincinnati for them to lose at home to the Bills.
JAGUARS (-2) over Browns
Cleveland has played very well the last two weeks defeating the Patriots at home and losing to the Jets in overtime last week. However, with WR/KR Josh Cribbs out due to injury, the Browns simply don’t have enough fire power through the air on offense to win on the road in Jacksonville.
CHIEFS (-8) over Cardinals
Kansas City is 4-0 at Arrowhead Stadium this season and the Cardinals have dropped four straight games. Chiefs head coach Todd Haley will be facing his former team for the first time. If I had to bet anything in this game it be the OVER.
Seahawks (+11.5) over SAINTS
The 6-3 Saints have a very favorable schedule over the next month starting this week with the Seahawks. Pete Carroll’s team has been very up and down this season. I expect New Orleans to win the game but would not be surprised if Seattle covers.
Falcons (-3) over RAMS
Atlanta has had a week and a half to prepare for this game after beating the Ravens on Thursday night football in Week 10. Sam Bradford and the Rams are a nice up and coming story but they are not ready to hang with the big boys of the NFC quite yet.
Buccaneers (+3.5) over 49ERS
Josh Freeman is the real deal. The Bucs will make the trip across country to take on the 49ers for the first time since 2007. If Tampa Bay truly believes they are the real deal, this is a game they must win. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
PATRIOTS (-4) over Colts
New England vs. Indianapolis. Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. Always a classic. It will be a cold November game in Foxboro with the Patriots coming off of a big road win in Pittsburgh and the Colts squeaking by the Bengals at home last week. Indianapolis has been decimated by injuries this season and while Peyton Manning has kept them afloat, I think the Colts will fall short this week.
EAGLES (-3) over Giants
Until a team proves they can stop Michael Vick and the Eagles offense, I will continue to pick them. Everything in this game points to the Giants covering the spread. The Eagles are coming off of huge victory on the road at a division rival and have a short week of preparation. The Giants are coming into Philadelphia on the heels of an embarrassing defeat at home to the Dallas Cowboys. However I have a gut feeling that the Eagles come out with another big effort and take control of the NFC East.
CHARGERS (-9.5) over Broncos
The 4-5 Chargers need to win if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. I expect San Diego to come out with a huge effort on Monday Night Football at home and dismantle Denver.
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